Improvement in current and tide wheels



W. ALGER. Current andTide Wheel.

Patented July 23, I878.

a jfoemmx J7 fiorn W MPETERS, PHOTO-LITHOGRAPHER. WASHINGTON. D c

UNITED STATES PATENT "OFFICE.

\VILLIAM ALGER, OF GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN.

IMPROVEMENT IN CURRENT AND TlDE WHEELS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 206,289, dated July 23,1878; application filed February 6, 1878.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, VVILLIAM ALGER, of Grand Rapids, in the county ofKent and State of Michigan, have invented certain new and usefulImprovements in Double-Acting Current and Tide IV heels; and I do herebydeclare that the following is a full, clear, and exact descriptionthereof, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, and to theletters of reference marked thereon, which form part of thisspecification.

The nature of my invention consists in the construction and arrangementof a tide-wheel, as will be hereinafter more fully set forth.

In order to enable others skilled in the art to which my inventionappertains to make and use the same, I will now proceed to describe itsconstruction and operation, rcferriu g to the annexed drawing, in whichFigure 1 is a central vertical section. Fig. 2 is a plan view; and Figs.3, 4, and 5 are details of my improved tide-wheel.

A represents a box or frame of any suitable dimensions, in which areplaced two drums or pulleys, B B, made polygonal shaped, as shown, thesides being of equal size. The journals of the drum B have theirhearings in the sides of the box or frame A, while the journals ofthedrum B are placed in boxes (0 a, which are located in slots orgrooves in the sides of the frame, and suitable springs I) I) are placedin said slots or grooves, to bear against the boxes for the purpose ofkeeping the endless chains 0 C at the proper tension. These chains areplaced around the equalsided drums B B, and are made of elongated linksor pivoted bars of the same length as the width of the sides of thedrums.

To the chains 0 O are secured a number of paddles, D D, at equaldistances apart. The ends of these paddles are fastened in flanged arms(I d, which are riveted or otherwise permanently secured to the links orbars of the chains.

In the upper sides of the frame-work is pivoted a series of gates, F F,for the purpose of directing the current of the stream or the current ofthe incoming or outgoing tide to the paddles D D. On one side thejournals of these gates are provided with cranks c c, which areconnected by a bar, E, so that they Between the pulleys B B, and betweentheupper and lower portions of the chains, is a series of chutes, G,which may be either stationary or adjustable, for the purpose ofredirecting the current or tide a second time upon the paddles D on thelower side.

In case of any timber or other obstructions getting into the wheel, thesprings I) b will yield and allow such obstructions to pass throughwithout breaking the chains.

II is a chute to prevent the current acting in the wrong direction uponthe paddles. I is an openingto allow the surplus water to escape.

In the drawing the wheel shows the action of the current or tide goingone way; but it is evident that by using a series of gates, F, on theopposite or lower sides the return tides can be utilized, driving thewheel in the same direction and with the same force and power.

Having thus fully described my invention, what I claim as new, anddesire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. The combination of thepolygonal-shaped drum B, having stationarybearings, the polygonal-shaped drum B,having yieldingbearings, theendless chains 0 O, and the paddles D D, substantially as and ifor :thepurposes herein set forth.

2. The adjustable gates F F, in combination with the wheel composed ofthe endless chains 0 O. and paddles l) I), for the purposes herein setforth. I

3. The chutes G (l, arranged within the wheel, composed of the endlesschains 0 O and paddles D I), for the purposes herein set forth.

4. The combination of the frame A, pulleys B B, endless chains 0 O,paddles I) D, adjustable gates F F, chutes G G and II, and opening I,all constructed substantially as and for the purposes herein set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I aiiix my signaturein presence of two witnesses.

WILLIAM ALGEB. Witnesses:

WM. M. BoBINsoN, IIENRY J. FELKER.

